Major restoration of
popular village pond

A popular village pond, which has been plagued with algae problems for many years, is to undergo extensive restoration work.

For some time now the problem of blue-green algae has been affecting Storrington Village Pond in Pulborough Road, posing a major problem for the parish council.

Storrington and Sullington Parish Council had been concerned both about the potential toxicity and also by the cost of rectifying the condition.

After lengthy consultation with a water management company and the Environment Agency, it has been agreed that the only solution is to drain and de-silt the pond.

In the planned work, the silt will be re-used to provide a major enhancement - a new reed island - which will help in keeping the water clean and replace the existing eroded island. This will be a major project and it is expected to begin towards the end of August, taking some three to four weeks.

County councillor Frank Wilkinson supported the parish council’s submission for a Big Society Fund grant for the pond works and £10,000 was awarded towards the project.

A further application for funds has been made to Horsham District Council for “S106” funds, whereby initiatives such as this receive support from the local planning authority with money attached to the granting of planning permission.

To make the area more user-friendly, a new duck feeding area is being created, since one of the causes of the algae is bread being thrown directly into the pond. The Environment Agency has offered to park a vehicle on site during the project to inform and educate the public about the works and future maintenance of the pond.

Storrington Bonfire Society has generously donated money to cover the cost of an information board about the pond. This will be put in situ on completion of the work.